Leaders of the Catholic Biblical Instructors Union, (CBIU) have been called upon to be pragmatic leaders, with vision and mission, and be ready to pay the sacrifice that their call demands, by giving their time, talent and treasure for the sake of evangelisation. The charge was given by Bro Chris Igwe, Archdiocesan Humbler Servant, while quoting the National Council directives, during the Leadership Seminar of the Union, with the theme, “Leadership in CBIU at formation (1974), today (2024) and tomorrow”, held last weekend at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ilasamaja, Lagos.
Igwe said the union is all about evangelisation, so the leaders have to pay the sacrifice which is going to be a sacred action of offering their three Ts, namely; time, talent and treasure, as well as leadership skills that will enable them to produce reliable and trusted preachers. He advised the people to put into practice all that they have heard at the seminar, especially the many testimonies and experiences of some dedicated leaders, as he challenged them to apply these to their lives, and be committed to the work of evangelisation of the union. The Humbler Servant urged the leaders to emulate the saints of the Church and heroes of the union who sacrificed their lives for the sake of evangelisation. He said the present leaders in the country are such that allow the flock to go ahead, while they follow behind. He added that the kind of leaders the people need are those that will lead the flock just like David did.
According to him, “Psalm 23 makes us understand that the shepherd leads the flock. He goes in front and the flock follow, so that if there is any danger on the way, the shepherd will be able to clear it before the flock passes. For a true shepherd and leader, you have to be at the fore front to guide your flock.” On effects of hardship in the country, he said: “St. Paul made it clear that in the last days, the love of many will wax cold. And all these happenings are part of the last days’ experience. And because of that, the Word of God cannot be caged or allowed to die because of the already prophesied word from time ages. You cannot give up on the Word of God.
The Word of God must be professed.” Giving a talk on the theme, Bro Kenneth Nnaji, Vice Provincial Humbler, Lagos, said Jesus Christ is the best role model, adding that leadership is not just for people at the top, but anyone can learn to lead by discovering the power that lies within him or her to make a difference. Talks were also delivered by Bro Mike Eke, entitled, “Catholic Biblical Instructors Union at 50 years, how will the Father Founder rate us today 2024?”, and Bro Magnus Anyaehie on “CBIU at 50: Addressing challenges to effective evangelisation in our Dioceses.”
